Vibrating mechanism



Dec. 30, 1969 I F. w. BRAY, JR 3,486,

VIBRATING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 6, 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 30, 1969 F. w. BRAY, JR 3,486,387

VIBRATING MECHANISM V r m u e I I. v WWW w 4 q M% W NL Q m n@ Dec. 30, 1969 F. w. BRAY, JR

VIBRATING MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 6. 1967 f/Wf/WOF. 5440/2 United States Patent 3,486,387 VIBRATING MECHANISM Frederick W. Bray, Jr., Matawan, N.J., assignor to Nordberg Manufacturing Company, Milwaukee, Wis., a

corporation of Wisconsin Filed Sept. 6, 1967, Ser. No. 665,783 Int. Cl. F16h 33/00 US. Cl. 74-61 7 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A vibrating mechanism for imparting rapid vibratory motion to screens or other like equipment including a housing defining a chamber with a connecting means for transmitting torque from a drive shaft to a rotatable weight and a raceway for receiving the Weight when it is thrown outwardly by centrifugal force.

This invention relates to a vibrating mechanism and, more particularly, to an apparatus for imparting vibratory motion to screens or other like equipment.

Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is an improved vibrating mechanism which is simple in design, and is adapted to exert a rapid vibratory motion to any equipment to which it is attached.

A further object is a vibrating mechanism having a connecting means which allows a weight to rotate, and permits full transmission of driving force through the weight to a raceway.

Another object is an improved mechanism having a weight which is not rigidly mounted thereby permitting the weight to float radially within the raceway.

Another object is a mechanism which is self compensating for wear and assumes the correct operating position.

Another object is an efficient vibrating mechanism which assures strong vibration that will not readily dampen out with heavy loads.

Another object is a versatile mechanism adapted for either direct or belt drive which also provides flexibility in motor selection and motor location.

Another object is an improved mechanism which minimizes wear and consequent heat build-up between the weight and raceway.

Another object is a durable mechanism with few moving parts.

Other objects and advantages will appear from time to time in the ensuing specification and drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of the vibrating mechanism showing it in use with an inclined vibrating screen;

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vibrating mechanism showing it adapted for direct drive;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a top view of the connecting means for this invention, and

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of a modified form of this invention showing it adapted for belt drive.

Referring to the drawings in more detail it will be seen that this vibrating mechanism 8 preferably consists of a housing 10 defining a chamber 12 which encloses the various working parts of this invention. A connecting means rotatably connects a drive shaft to a weight 14 which is adapted to orbit about an axis concentric to the axis of the drive shaft and housing. In addition, a raceway 16 is adapted to receive the weight when it is thrown outwardly by centrifugal force thereby imparting vibration such as rapid orbital or reciprocating motion to screening equipment or similar apparatus.

FIGURE 1 shows the vibrating mechanism 8 attached to the side wall of a cable suspended, single shaft, inclined vibrating screen 18. However, the mechanism may also be attached to a double shaft, horizontal vibrating screen or any other similar equipment including a spring mounted vibrating screen. In addition, although the vibrating mechanism is shown mounted horizontally, it may also be mounted vertically on any portion of the screening equipment.

FIGURE 2 shows the vibrating mechanism close coupled to a motor 20 for direct drive. As shown in this figure, the housing 10 consists of a motor adapter housing 22 and shaft casing 24 defining the chamber 12 which encloses the mechanism thereby preventing the entry of contaminants. Within the chamber 12 connecting means such as a slip joint coupling 26 connects a shaft 28, which defines a first axis, to the Weight 14. The weight is mounted concentric to a second shaft including a journal 38. It is important to note that the second shaft defines a second axis which is offset from the motor shaft 28 due to the construction of the slip joint coupling 26.

The weight 14 is preferably a substantially cylindrical disk, and is adapted to engage the annular surface of the raceway 16 when thrown outwardly through centrifugal force generated by the motor 20. The weight 14 preferably includes a replaceable sleeve or liner 30 providing a durable wearing surface for contacting the annular raceway 16. The outside surface of the replaceable sleeve 30 is preferably crowned or spherical substantially coinciding with the inside surface of the raceway 16 which is also crowned or spherical. However, as shown in FIGURE 2 the radius of the weight 14 may be slightly shorter than the radius of the raceway 16 reducing the area of contact between the weight and raceway thereby preventing excessive pressure on the respective edges of the weight and raceway. It is also important to note that the crowned or spherical raceway 16 prevents axial movement or displacement of the weight 14. In addition, other methods of preventing axial movement may be used such as a retaining ring or lip around each outside edge of the raceway.

In order to obtain the proper amount of throw or stroke for a vibrating screen adjusting weights 32 may be added as shown in FIGURE 2. The throw or stroke of a vibrating screen is a function of the weight and the offset distance of the weight with a heavier weight requiring a smaller offset to achieve the same throw. One distinct advantage of this arrangement is the ease of adjusting the throw of a vibrating screen. By adding or subtracting weights one size mechanism may be used for several different sized screens. It is also important to note that more adjusting weights may be required on the right hand side than the left hand side to adequately compensate for the weight of the shaft 28 and slip joint coupling 26.

The slip joint coupling 26 preferably includes a first sleeve 34 and a second sleeve 36 adapted to respectively receive the shaft 28 and journal 38 attached to the weight 14. The second sleeve 36 may include a bearing 40 allowing the weight to freely turn or rotate on its own axis.

As shown in FIGURE 2, a cap or plug 42 may be added to the motor adapter housing 22 permitting inspection of the chamber 12 and providing a lubrication port. In addition, a grease fitting 44 may be provided in the second sleeve 36 so that the journal 38 and bearing 40 may be adequately lubricated. Further, a lubrication fitting 46 and oil channel 48 running around the outside circumference of the raceway are provided to adequately lubricate the weight 14 and raceway 16.

FIGURE 3 more clearly illustrates the eccentricity of the weight 14 in regard to the shaft casing 24 and raceway 16. As shown in this figure, the weight 14 orbits in a circular path around the first axis while freely rotating around its own second axis thereby rollingly engaging the raceway 16.

FIGURE 4 is a top view of the slip joint coupling 26, and more clearly defines its design and construction. As seen in this figure, the slip joint coupling 26 connects the drive shaft 28 to the journal 38 of the weight 14. In addition, a retaining lug 50 prevents the slip joint coupling 26 from disengaging when rotating at slow speeds. It should also be noted that the same result could be achieved by other methods such as having a cap over the top of the coupling 26.

FIGURE shows essentially the same vibrating mechanism with additional parts added so that the mechanism may be belt or pulley driven. The important feature shown in this figure is an intermediate drive means 52 adapted to be belt or pulley driven by an adjacent motor. The intermediate drive means 52 includes a jackshaft 54, defining the first axis, with a sheave 56 mounted concentric to this axis. The sheave 56 is adapted to be engaged by a belt or pulley which when actuated rotates the jackshaft 54, which in turn, orbits the weight 14 within the raceway 16.

The intermediate drive means 52 also preferably includes a jackshaft housing 58 attached to the motor adapter 22 with an end plate 60 for enclosing the mechanism. Bearings 62 and 64 may be mounted around the jackshaft 54 allowing it to freely rotate. In addition, lubrication fittings 66 and 68 are added to provide for adequate lubrication of the bearings 62 and 64. Also, a seal 70 keeps out contaminates and retains the lubrication.

The use, operation and function of this invention are as follows:

In operation the vibrating mechanism may be either directly attached to a motor 20 for direct drive as shown in FIGURE 2, or the mechanism may be alternately driven through pulleys or a V-belt as shown in FIGURE 5. The vibrating mechanism will be used most often in combination with either inclined screening equipment or horizontal screening equipment and allows versatility in motor selection and motor location.

The vibrating mechanism may be used with either a single or double shafted motor, and may be mounted within the drive shaft by splitting the shaft. -In addition, two sets of weights may be connected by a spindle 72 and driven by a single motor. This possibility is shown in FIG- URE 5 wherein a spindle 72 may lead to another set of weights. Further, the vibrating mechanism may be bolt mounted to the housing or it may be conventionally mounted at either end of the shaft as shown in the figures.

As previously mentioned, a first axis describes the common center line of the housing and raceway 16 while the second axis describes the center line of the rotatable weight 14. When power is supplied from the motor, the weght 14 will orbit in a circular path concentric with the common center line of the housing 10. The radius of the orbit is the distance between the first axis and the second axis. As the weight 14 is revolved and brought up to operating speed, centrifugal force will through the weight outwardly until contact is made between the Weight and raceway throughout its rotation. Essentially, the weight 14 will float or be free wheeling inside the raceway 16 when operating at sufiicient speed. The resulting imbalance will create the necessary vibratory motion to actuate screening equipment or similar apparatus.

In addition, it is important to note that the first axis is substantially parallel to the second axis, and that the two axes are separated from each other by a distance substantially equal to one half the difference between the diameter of the weight 14 and the diameter of the raceway 16. In addition, the weight 14 rotates upon its own or second axis while orbiting in a circular path around the first axis. The bearing 40 as shown in FIGURES 2 and 5 allows the weight to freely rotate. A connecting means of the type shown in the figures is preferred so that the weight 14 may move freely and transmit full loading force to the raceway 16. The offset between the first axis and the second axis is necessary in order to provide torque to orbit the weight about the raceway.

I claim:

1. A vibrating mechanism for imparting rapid vibratory motion to screens or other like equipment, said mechanism including:

a connecting means for connecting a shaft rotatable about a first axis to a weight mounted concentric to a second axis;

a weight rotatable about the second axis and adapted to orbit in a circular path around the first axis;

a raceway having an annular surface for receiving the Weight when it is thrown outwardly by centrifugal force, and having a diameter larger than the diameter of said weight by twice the distance the first axis is offset from the secondaxis; and

a housing defining a chamber which encloses said mechanism.

2. A vibrating mechanism for imparting rapid vibratory motion to screens or other like equipment, said mechanism including:

a housing;

a first shaft defining a first axis and adapted to be driven by a power source;

a second shaft offset from the first shaft and defining a second axis;

connecting means for joining the first shaft to the second shaft;

a weight mounted concentric to the second shaft and rotatable about the second axis, said weight adapted to orbit in a circular path around the first axis and further including a replaceable sleeve to provide a durable wearing surface; and

a raceway having an annular surface for receiving the weight when it is thrown outwardly by centrifugal force.

3. The structure of claim 2 further characterized in that the weight has a radius on its face to prevent edge loading between the weight and the raceway during operation.

4. The structure of claim 2 further characterized by and including adjusting weights mounted about the second axis to obtain the proper amount of throw for secreening equipment or the like.

5. The structure of claim 2 further characterized in that the second shaft has a journal for rotatably connecting the weight to the connecting means.

6. The structure of claim 5 further characterized in that the connecting means includes a second sleeve adapted to receive the journal of the second shaft.

7. The structure of claim 6 further characterized in that the second sleeve includes a bearing allowing the journal to freely rotate within said sleeve.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,445,175 7/ 1948 Hittson 7461 2,501,158 3/1950 Chilcott 7461 3,189,106 6/1965 Bodine 7461 3,264,887 8/ 1966 Holmes 209366.5 392,062 10/ 1888 Pedersen 74-545 1,127,257 2/1915 Johnson 74551 1,495,084 5/1924 Kubiak 74551 2,092,375 9/1937 Johnson 74675 2,336,082 12/1948 Floraday 74545 FOREIGN PATENTS 781,514 8/ 1957 Great Britain.

FRED C. MATTERN, 111., Primary Examiner W. S. RATLIFF, 111., Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 209-3665 

